Bunyala West Member of the County Assembly Carlbenz Okonya was on Tuesday, September 26, arraigned in court on allegations of defiling a 14-year-old minor.
In a statement, The Director of Public Prosecution said Okonya, who appeared before Busia Chief Magistrate Edna Nyaloti pleaded not guilty to the charges. He will remain in custody until Thursday, September 28, 2023.
“Carlbenz Okonya, the Bunyala West Member of the County Assembly, pleaded not guilty to the charges and will remain in custody pending a ruling on the prosecution application to be delivered on 28/9/2023,” the statement read in part.
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According to the DPP, the prosecution led by Faith Kaberia and Abraham Mumo had sought orders to detain the suspect for 14 days and opposed bail and bond requests by the MCA.
“The prosecution made an application to oppose bail and bond and requested that the bail and bond hearing be deferred for 14 days to allow the witness protection agency to assess and place the victim and her family under protection,” stated DPP.
